Workshop Title: Google Docs for Writing, Collaboration, and Publishing

Day: 1

Subject of the Day's Workshop:

To develop knowledge and application of Google Docs for writing, collaboration, and publishing within the middle school English Language Arts classroom.

Prerequisite Knowledge:

1. A basic knowledge of Google Docs.
2. A basic understanding of various operations within Google Docs.

Content:

Google Docs is a versatile tool for teachers and students. It functions just like a word processing program, but it also transforms the way that lessons are structured and the way students engage in the writing process, collaboration, critical thinking, and . During this workshop, we will review operations within Google Docs and examine various ways in which Google Docs can be implemented into your classroom through interactive activities. The session will conclude by providing participants time to create a Google Doc activity for use within the middle school English Language Arts classroom based upon current content being covered in class for student use. In addition, participants will complete a self and professional development evaluation.

Objectives for the Lesson:

By the end of Day 1, participants will be able to:

1. Possess a larger understanding of the various tools within Google Docs.
2. Recognize, understand, and apply various ways that Google Docs can be utilized within the middle school English Language Arts classroom.
3. Transform teaching practices through the use of Google Docs focusing on the use of portfolios, the writing process, and collaboration.
4. Create and develop activities that utilize Google Docs within the middle school English Language Arts classroom.
5. Engage in self evaluation and workshop evaluation.

Lesson Format:

1. Welcome and Introduction.
2. Housekeeping: Login to district issued Google Docs account. Ensure working and participants are able to locate.
3. Quick Review using LCD: Various functions within Google Docs such as tool bars, revision history, sharing, comments, and comment preferences. Participants will interact with demonstration.
4. Collaborative Activity: Portfolios: (Create Google Doc within group and identify various ways Google Docs can be utilized within the classroom as a portfolio. Groups will share with other groups in the workshop and create comments. Whole Group: share documents with facilitator prompt discussion in addition to reviewing comment functions.
5. Collaborative Activity: Groups will examine student responses to a journal prompt. Using comments, groups will make suggestions, thought-provoking questions, etc. to aid that student in being able to effectively revise and edit. Groups will then assume role of "student" creator of the work and work through revision suggestions from another group (Accept/Reject suggestions; make questions). Original groups will then look to see if suggestions were accepted and paper was revised and edited. Discussion of process of the virtual writing conference through revising and editing with Google Docs.
6. Planning time: Participants will be able to develop and create a Google Doc activity based upon current classroom topics that will be implemented in the classroom. Facilitator will be able to meet individually with participants during this time to aid in development or answer questions.
7. Self and Workshop Day Evaluation.

Sample of Revising and Editing Activity for Participants

Additional Materials Used and How They will be Used:

Google Docs Help:
Will be used as an extra resource where participants can access information and additional tutorials about various functions within Google Docs.

Google Docs for Educators:
Participants will be able to access additional information about Google Docs in the classroom. Can be explored during planning time, group activities, and as a personal reference.

Evaluation:

Please click here to access and complete the self and daily workshop evaluation (Currently not available. Your trainer will activate it during the workshop session).